The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock

¶ 01 The past Government moved to hand over NLDB assets—28,802 acres, 92 milk collection centres, five dairy factories and other movable and immovable property—based on the model of Amul and other companies. Former Minister Mahinda Amaraweera was directly involved. Farmers’ organizations, trade unions and civil groups opposed it, and we took the matter up to the Supreme Court. It was to be given on very low lease terms. Although he later said such agreements were not signed, we revealed the facts publicly. That attempt has been abandoned. No such lands will be given to those organizations. As for other farms, our aim is to develop them to profitability for the benefit of the people. Under Government patronage, we will consider engaging local private investors and partners where necessary, following due discussion. There is no decision to give them to foreign companies.